Kanimozhi moves Delhi High Court seeking bail

Three days after the dismissal of her bail plea, DMK MP Kanimozhi along with Kalaignar TV MD Sharad Kumar today moved the Delhi High Court challenging the trial court's order.

CBI Special Judge OP Saini had rejected Kanimozhi and Kumar's bail pleas on May 20 and ordered their "forthwith" arrest. They are currently lodged in Tihar Jail.

The CBI had named 43-year-old Kanimozhi and Kumar as accused in the second chargesheet filed on April 25 in the 2G scam. It had indicted Kanimozhi for taking a bribe to the tune of Rs 200 crore, which was routed to Kalaignar TV, in which she has 20% stake.

Senior counsel Ram Jethmalani, appearing for Kanimozhi in the special court, had sought her release on the ground that she is a woman.

"Even in the cases of grievous nature like murder, an accused may be released on bail solely on the ground that she is a woman," Jethmalani had argued.

The special CBI court, however, refused to accept the submissions and had said that in a case of such enormity, gender cannot be a ground for bail.

"Sex is one of the grounds which may be considered at the time of grant of bail. However, considering the magnitude of the crime and the allegations against her, I am unable to show any consideration to her on this ground," it had said.

However, the "dignified" conduct of Kanimozhi during court proceedings had earned her some special praise from the special court.

"I wish, I could show her some consideration, considering her extremely dignified conduct in the court," the CBI Judge had said.